Pacific Invasives Learning Network Launch and First Annual Meeting 22 - 26 May 2006

Meeting Report

Dr Jill Key PILN Coordinator. May 2006 SPREP, PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa +685 21929 ext 276, [email protected]

1 Contents

List of Acronyms ...... 3 Executive summary...... 4 Opening Remarks...... 7 Meeting Report ...... 11 Background...... 11 Peer Learning Networks ...... 11 The Palau meeting...... 12 Outputs...... 14 Initial analysis of lessons learned in priority technical areas...... 14 Public awareness...... 14 Strategic planning ...... 14 Weed management...... 15 Island restoration...... 15 Network needs identified ...... 16 PILN work programme defined for the 2-year pilot programme ...... 17 Team Action Plans...... 17 American Samoa...... 17 Guam...... 18 Niue...... 19 Palau...... 20 Pohnpei ...... 21 Samoa...... 22 Partner and CEPF grantee commitments ...... 24 PILN mission and terms of reference defined, logo reviewed...... 26 Agreement on how to measure PILN effectiveness...... 26 Palau meeting evaluation ...... 29 Other outputs...... 30 Launch of the CDROM version of the Global Invasive Species Database ...... 30 Revision of the Regional Invasive Species Strategy...... 30 CEPF project management feedback...... 31 Inventory of current invasive species activities...... 31 Conclusions...... 32 Acknowledgements...... 33 Thanks to our sponsors ...... 33 List of other documents relevant to the meeting...... 34 Annexes...... 34 Background documents...... 34

2 List of Acronyms

CEPF Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund CI Conservation International, a PILN Partner GEF Global Environment Facility GISD Global Invasive Species Database IAS Invasive Alien Species ISM Invasive Species Management ISSG Invasive Species Specialist Group, a PILN Partner NFWF National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NPAS National Park of American Samoa, a PILN Close Collaborator OERC Office of Environmental Response and Coordination of Palau, a PILN Partner PII Pacific Invasives Initiative, a programme of the Cooperative Islands Initiative, a PILN Close Collaborator PILN Pacific Invasives Learning Network PISM Pacific Invasive Species Management project, a new Global Environment Facility project. SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community, a PILN Partner SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, a PILN Partner TNC The Nature Conservancy, a PILN Partner USDOS United States Department of State USFS United States Forest Service, a PILN Partner USP University of the South Pacific, a PILN Partner

Meeting participants on the field trip. Photo: Tavita Togia.

3 Executive summary

The Honorable Elias Camsek Chin, Vice President of the Republic of Palau, officially launched the network on 22 May 2006 at the opening ceremony in Palau. His concluding remark, “Failure is not an option”, was adopted as a slogan for the meeting.

42 people from 11 countries participated: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Pohnpei and Samoa. These consisted of members of the initial 6 PILN founding teams, CEPF grantees running demonstration projects, and PILN Partners.

The CD ROM version of the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) was officially launched on 23 May 2006 at a ceremony on Carp Island, Palau.

An evaluation of relevant elements of the GISD was carried out. The high overall scores (73-96%) suggest that GISD information is relevant and useful and this is confirmed by the positive nature of other comments made.

Participants analyzed their collective experience to draft lessons learned in 4 key areas: public awareness, strategic planning, weed management and island restoration.

Each PILN founding team drafted an Action Plan for one of their priority projects and identified the next steps required: o American Samoa: Eradicate Strawberry Guava from American Samoa by the end of 2008 o Guam: Control bud rot Phytophthora. palmivora on Betelnut in Guam. o Niue: To contain the Wedelia affected sites within Niue to 0.7 hectares. o Palau: By the end of 2008, no more trees of the forest margin along the compact road are covered with Kebeas o Pohnpei: Eradicate 100% of the following: False Kava, Mile-a-Minute, ivy Gourd, and Chain of Love by 2008 o Samoa: To secure funding to carry out activities to manage and prevent invasive species in Samoa.

Need for network assistance was identified in the following areas: • Technical expertise on: o Tilapia eradication in Pohnpei o Feral pigeon eradication in Pohnpei o Wedelia control methods in Niue • Develop guidelines for: o Merremia peltata control for various countries o New invasive species monitoring and reporting, for all countries

4 o New roads to minimize invasive species establishment, using the Compact road of Palau as a model. • Workshops on specific topics: o Social marketing o Rodent eradication from tropical islands o Monitoring and evaluation of invasive species management • Network assistance and advice on: o Influencing policy, and political advocacy o Strengthening legislation and harmonizing compliance mechanisms o Producing and sharing promotional & educational materials o Information on and access to funding sources and help with proposals o Peer review of plans and project proposals

CEPF grantees reviewed their project management process and provided feedback for future improvements.

Inputs were provided for the revision of the regional invasive species strategy, 6 strategic directions were identified and prioritized.

The PILN work plan was reviewed and agreement reached on how to measure PILN success. A new logo is being designed, using elements from the meeting logo. The PILN mission was accepted by the participants.

Of the 34 participants who completed an evaluation form, all expressed themselves “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the meeting. Among the benefits gained from attending the meeting are: sharing and learning, a stronger team, awareness of just how much is going on in the region, and a sense of momentum that urgently needs building on.

The American Samoa Invasive Species Team formally offered to host second annual meeting in August 2007

This report a working document, intended to be used to follow-up on commitments made during the meeting. Lessons learned will be reviewed and expanded in future meetings and draft Action Plans developed and revised. The next step is to ensure that the talk is translated into action and invasive species impacts to biodiversity and sustainable development are reduced.

5

The facilitation team: Anne Marie LaRosa, Joel Miles, Jill Key and Audrey Newman. Photo: Audrey Newman.

The Palau team hosts: Joe Tiobech, Joel Miles, Lukes Isechal, Yalap Yalap and Fred Sengebau. Photo: Jill Key.

6 Opening Remarks

by the Honorable Elias Camsek Chin Vice President of the Republic of Palau

May 22, 2006

Please let me begin by saying what a privilege and honor it is to address such a distinguished and diverse group of people this morning. Thank you for the kind invitation to open your meeting this week.

This is no surprise to you, but monkeys, cockatoos, smothering vines, snails, aggressive fish, bottom-dwelling marine organisms, agricultural pests, and human disease-causing microorganisms: all of these -- and more -- have invaded Palau and many of the Pacific Islands.

These non-native species are having impacts on the environment, the economy, human health, and, of course, the traditional way of life in countries all over the Pacific. Their introduction poses a serious threat to all of us personally as well as to our economies and governments.

It is for these reasons that I was very pleased to learn that the Pacific Invasives Learning Network, assisted by Palau’s National Invasive Species Committee and the Office of Environmental Response and Coordination, would hold its inaugural meeting here in Palau. I Welcome you and we are very glad …. we have been waiting for you for a long time! Folks, we have got to work together to address what to do about the invasions that are occurring.

I am deeply honored that you have asked me to open your meeting today and conclude it on Friday at your dinner reception. On behalf of the Palauan people, our government, Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., our President, and myself, we hope you have a challenging week but one that will be filled with accomplishments and satisfaction at week’s end.

I know you are going to Carp Island for most of your meetings and that you will be having a tour of Peleliu, the and other places here. Please enjoy yourself with the hospitality of our country and experience the mysteries of our beautiful sites and treasures.

Take back many pictures and memories but always remember that the invasive species you are trying to control will be all around you. These living organisms, and you know this already, grow and reproduce out of control. The result is that they cause harm to other living things, especially to native plants and animals.

7 You know, the word ‘Harm’ is probably not strong enough. Invasive species can destroy ecosystems and, in some cases, even cause extinctions of other species. With the natural beauty that is the essence of Palau, losing even one species or a part of our ecosystem is a tragedy. This is why your work this week is so very important.

But your work here will go beyond Palau. Each of you will take with you a plan that needs to be implemented in your home country as well as in countries that are not represented here this week.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are involved in one of the most important missions possible – to find a way to protect native plants and animals from invasion by species that could change our landscape forever.

Sadly, when an invasive species is introduced into a new environment, typically it has no natural enemies. We know that many of these introduced species are brought in by man or travel long distances on ships, logs or with marine organisms.

I have even learned recently that some naturally occurring species can become invasive when environmental conditions change.

I have seen a good example of this near my house. There, in my backyard is a plant known in Palau as kebeas, and I can’t pronounce the biological name, so I won’t (Merremia peltata). Dr. Miles knows what I’m talking about! Kebeas is a very vigorous and fast-growing vine that grows naturally in forest clearings.

I’ll tell you that when I was a young boy growing up on Peleliu, kebeas was growing there, but it was not the problem that it is today. With the growth of the country over the last twenty years, the clearing of land, creation of new roads and other human activities, we have created more opportunities for kebeas to thrive – and thrive it does. This vine is now threatening forests and communities on the islands of Koror and . With the development and growth on Babeldaob, the situation will only get worse.

We also have problems with other species that have been introduced to Palau and I am sure that these problems are not unique to Palau and that they occur all over the Pacific area …. where they cause great harm.

Here are some examples:

• Monkeys eat bird eggs and nestlings, and are starting to cause real problems on Angaur, an island just south of Peleliu. I was visiting there recently and one of the residents told me that monkeys are now going through trash, eating through electrical wire insulation and damaging traditional crops like Taro and tapioca. They even try to scare women when they are tending their Taro patches. o And, folks, monkeys are not native to Palau. They were introduced by the Germans when underground mining occurred there many years ago. Now,

8 there are more than 200 monkeys on Angaur and they have turned into a pest problem. The local human population is now out numbered by the monkey population almost two-to-one. • Coconuts are an important source of food, fuel and even wood for people living in neighboring countries. Swaying coconut palms have come to symbolize exotic holidays in a tropical paradise. However, this plant is being threatened by EREMEL A LIUS or, the Coconut Beetle, an invasive pest that migrated here from Indonesia. Scientists believe that this insect travels primarily on aircraft or in air cargo shipments. And so, despite quarantine measures, invasive pests like the Coconut beetle do get into the countries undetected. If this happens, it is important for the countries affected or at risk of infection to work together. Hence, this meeting is all the more important since it represents just that – countries at risk working together to solve the problem of invasive species. • As I mentioned, we now have a problem with invasive vines growing all over our native trees and destroying some of our tropical forests. This, ladies and gentlemen, will change our landscape forever. • And with the destruction of the tropical forests and the increase in non-native grasses, the likelihood of wildfires is increased. You know, I dread the day when someone tells me “Mr. Vice President, we have an out-of-control forest fire somewhere in Palau.” I have seen burned out areas in the United States and I’m quite sure that we have all seen the explicit, and horrifying, images of these fires on TV. You know, we don’t need that level of destruction here. • City pigeons, rats and mosquitoes carry diseases and we seem to have, on some of our Rock Islands, a problem with non-native rats. • Humans and animals are affected by micro-organisms that are introduced or develop here. • There are many other problems caused by invasive species and I know that you will be studying these problems during your visit and so I will leave my descriptions of the problems we face to your scientific studies.

My point is that the non-native species that have invaded Palau must be controlled and that is why your meeting this week is so important to Palauans. But, I think, you have to look at the problem of invasive species on a broader scale and so your meetings are also vitally important to the other islands and island nations in the Pacific.

Ladies and gentlemen, you face a challenging task and, as a famous US President said, failure is not an option. If we don’t find a way to control invasive species, if the public is not educated about them and if governments don’t take action to manage their control, all of our countries will be overrun. Our children and their children won’t have the unique forests, animals and marine resources that we see today and that you will see this week.

That loss would be tragic! It is organizations like the Pacific Invasives Learning Network, the Palau National Invasives Species Committee and the Office of Environmental Response and Coordination that make a difference.

9 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sure that you will make that difference this week. Good luck in this venture and I want thank you.

Kom Kmal Mesaul.

The Honorable Elias Camsek Chin, Vice President of the Republic of Palau, opening the meeting. Photo: Warea Orapa.

Tavita Togia, coordinator of the American Samoa team, hosts of the 2007 PILN meeting, with the Honorable Elias Camsek Chin, Vice President of the Republic of Palau. Photo: Tavita Togia

10 Meeting Report

Background

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in island ecosystems. When a species is accidentally or intentionally introduced into a new landscape or seascape, the consequences can be devastating, posing a large threat to agriculture, public health, tourism, and other economic activities. Invasive plants and animals can spread unchecked, disrupting natural cycles, and costing billions.

Invasives are a priority for Pacific Island nations because islands are highly vulnerable to invasions that can result in catastrophic loss of biodiversity and other impacts. However, the relatively small size and isolation of most islands offer important opportunities for preventing new invasions and eradicating existing pest species. In some parts of the Pacific, experienced conservation professionals have developed model programs to prevent, eradicate, or control certain high-priority invaders, such as rodents, feral animals, and invasive weeds. However, according to the Global Invasive Species Programme, "In most Pacific Island countries, there is a profound lack of awareness about the issue and an almost complete absence of capacity to deal with invasive species." Conservation practitioners in the Pacific represent a host of different agencies and countries, and most are geographically and professionally isolated. As a result, few Pacific conservationists currently have the information, expertise, and support they need to manage invasive species effectively.

Peer Learning Networks

Peer learning networks are a proven strategy for improving conservation skills and building cooperation between trained professionals. By bringing peers together with conservation experts, learning networks foster new ideas and practical, site-specific solutions. Multi-disciplinary project teams can work together on strategies with critical input from other teams and experts, resulting in a common vision and a plan for effective conservation action.

In 2005 The Nature Conservancy joined with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, the Cooperative Island Initiative on Invasive Species, IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group, National Park of American Samoa, Conservation International, the Palau Office of Environmental Response and Coordination, University of the South Pacific, USDA Forest Service, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to establish the Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN). Collaborating closely with the initiative are the National Park of American Samoa and the Pacific Invasives Initiative.

The network serves teams of Pacific Island agencies responsible for invasives management, including agencies responsible for agriculture, international trade and other economic interests, as well as conservation and natural resource management.

11 The network’s mission is to empower effective invasive species management through a participant-driven network that meets priority needs, rapidly shares skills and resources, provides links to technical expertise, increases information exchange, and accelerates on-the-ground action.

Founding teams come all over the Pacific region, with representatives from all three sub- regions, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia and include members with a long-term commitment to conservation, strong cultural understanding, and the potential to act as innovators to increase invasive species management and prevention in their nations. Participating teams determine the specific invasive species issues that they will address using the network. PILN's activities and agenda are determined by the individual and shared needs of the participants.

The Palau meeting

The official launch of the network and first annual meeting took place from 22 to 26 May 2006, hosted by Palau. Members of the initial group of six founding teams from American Samoa, Guam, Niue, Palau, Pohnpei and Samoa participated, together with Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund grantees working on invasive species management demonstration projects from Palau, Samoa, FSM, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and French Polynesia, and representatives of the eight partners and two close collaborators. In total 42 people from 11 countries attended and the participant list is given in Annex 1.

Meeting objectives were established by the participants before the meeting and were used to define the final agenda:

To meet with other invasive species workers from around the Pacific, foster relations by sharing skills and experiences, widen knowledge on invasive species issues, and understand shared challenges and obstacles; To get support for developing and implementing field and strategic projects by looking for similar models, developing cooperation, coordinating actions, and learning new techniques; To introduce other invasive species programmes and partnerships currently active in the Pacific region and identify ways they can benefit/help PILN teams; To start formulating and sharing lessons learned from field and strategic projects through the collective knowledge of the group; To identify priority thematic issues and expert exchange needs; To identify a regional invasive species project of common interest, to be developed over the next year or so.

The concluding words from the Vice Presidents opening remarks, “failure is not an option” were adopted as the meeting slogan.

The complete final agenda is given in Annex 2. In summary the following activities were completed: • The network was officially launched

12 • The CR ROM version of the Global Invasive Species Database was officially launched • Each PILN team and CEPF grantee presented their team and projects • Lessons learned were formulated in four key technical areas: public awareness, strategic planning, weed management and island restoration • Action plans were produced for a priority project by each PILN team, and the next steps defined • Eight emerging issues were discussed in open space fora: biocontrol, measuring PILN success, political involvement; managing invasive reptiles and amphibians, marine invasive species, biosecurity, refugia, ex-copra islands • PILN mission and logo were reviewed • The components of the regional invasive species strategy were reviewed • CEPF grantees reviewed their project cycle management process

This report presents a summary of the main findings and conclusions in terms of the agreed outputs established prior to the meeting, and specifically from the point of view of PILN input to capacity building. It is intended to be a working document – the lessons learned in the four key technical areas discussed should be viewed as a first draft to be expanded and revised in subsequent meetings, by the second group of founding teams and in the second annual meeting. The team Action Plans are also drafts, to be completed by the teams in collaboration with their wider invasive species committees at home, and revised over time as experience dictates. Full details of the various sessions and discussions are given in the Annexes.

The agreed outputs of the meeting are:

Initial analysis of lessons learned in priority technical areas Expert exchange needs identified PILN work programme defined for the 2-year pilot programme PILN mission and terms of reference defined, logo reviewed Agreement on how to measure PILN effectiveness

The second output “Expert Exchange needs identified” has been broadened to cover all PILN assistance and support and is not limited to just expert exchanges.

13 Outputs

Initial analysis of lessons learned in priority technical areas

Four technical areas were identified from the PILN team applications as being priority and of common interest to all participants: public awareness, strategic planning, weed management and island restoration. Participants discussed their collective strengths and weaknesses, and formulated lessons learned for success in each case. Full details of the groups conclusions and the plenary discussion are given in Annex 3.

Public awareness

Lessons learned for success are: Should be done first to get public support before on-the-ground action Define your purpose Define your audience – age class, sector, etc. Know your audience Identify the key messages Adapt materials to suit local conditions Use Snappy Slogans Use advertising strategies Use as many different media as possible Use cheap/free methods as much as possible Find out what worked (or didn’t) elsewhere Include measures of success (pre/post surveys, useful questions) Don’t overlook the essential value of success and telling people about it, Demonstration projects can show it is possible Create a resource library – GISD?

Strategic planning

It was noted that there are different levels of planning: Regional National Sub-national

Emergency Response Planning can be: Generic National For species / taxa

For Project Plans, lessons learned for success are: All partners have the capacity to develop plans The planning process is more important than the paper document Templates are available Guidelines

14 Test the Emergency Response Plans Have a plan Use model plans Involve stakeholders (include government) Good facilitation of the planning process is important Collect & share information Review & adapt plans Connect strategic plans to annual work plans and budgets, especially helpful to include timeframes, responsibilities, etc. Incorporate accounting structure and finance in the plan Good levels of communication are important Be flexible High level support is important Have someone responsible for driving the plan Have the right resources (people and money) Expedient plan process Plan in response to need/ demand, don’t plan until you need it Take environment and weather into account Make the plan fit your situation/needs/appropriate scale; still need strategic direction

Weed management

Lessons learned for success are: There is a process, follow it Initial survey for early detection Attack while you can – the longer you wait the more it costs and the harder it gets Risk assessment and prioritization Pick a species where you can make a difference Community consultation/ stakeholder involvement – what’s in is for them? Act: make commitments to resources – people/money/training Don’t stop until you are done “FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION” Monitor and feedback/evaluate

Avoid the following: Poorly planned projects e.g. wrong/sloppy methods Unsafe practices Inadequate consultation Skipping evaluations Inflexible plans/ Inflexible leaders Rigid planning

Island restoration

Lessons learned for success are: Plan!

15 -Agree on good goal / S.M.A.R.T Objectives (start, small/realistic = SUCCESS Understand social, economic and ecological issues Be prepare to adapt Social Marketing Include good science Include Traditional Ecological Knowledge Engage technical assistance Identify and empower a project manager (local) Stakeholder involvement from the onset - Stakeholders are particular people with interests Really need to focus on the decision-makers immediately above you Take bureaucrats to an island for a day and show them what you are doing; success is often overlooked GISD is an ideal repository for info on technical inputs for a particular species

Network needs identified

PILN teams analyzed where network support and assistance was required to strengthen their capacity in realizing their project Action Plans, summarized below (see Annex 4):

• Technical expertise on: o Tilapia eradication in Pohnpei o Feral pigeon eradication in Pohnpei o Wedelia control methods in Niue • Develop guidelines for: o Merremia peltata control for various countries o New invasive species monitoring and reporting, for all countries o New roads to minimize invasive species establishment, using the Compact road of Palau as a model. • Workshops on specific topics: o Social marketing o Rodent eradication from tropical islands o Monitoring and evaluation of invasive species management • Network assistance and advise on: o Influencing policy, and political advocacy o Strengthening legislation and harmonizing compliance mechanisms o Producing and sharing promotional & educational materials o Information on and access to funding sources and help with proposals o Peer review of plans and project proposals

16 PILN work programme defined for the 2-year pilot programme

Team Action Plans

Each PILN team developed draft Action Plans for one of their two priority projects, and received feedback from the rest of the group. Complete draft Action Plans can be found in Annex 5.

American Samoa

Goal: Eradicate Strawberry Guava from American Samoa Objective: Eradicate Strawberry Guava from American Samoa by the end of 2008 Strategy 1: Obtain Public Support Actions: o Consultant with land owners – June 2006 o Media campaign (Newspaper, Radio, TV) (August 2006)

Strategy 2: On the ground eradication Actions: o Manual and Chemical Control (Garlon) by June 2007 o Monitoring and evaluation to continue 10 years post eradication o Search for new infestations especially bat roosts plus Samoan starling (by June 2008)

American Samoa team tasks WHO (LEADS) BY WHEN 1. Strawberry Guava • Community and political support Tavita December • Presentation of office of Samoa 2006 (OSA) Team A. Samoa & December • Family consultation and Matai & OSA 2006 cooperation • Monitor SG Eric Hanson On-going population/Naturalized population Foi June 2006 • New infestations Evelyn June 2006 2. Curriculum Development • Draft curriculum

Presenter:

Ike-IS pesticides Foi – Native & Invasive Animal Eric – IS management Tavita – Forest & Trees Tavita Wednesday, 3. Information transfer June 1, 2006 • Media report 10:00 am Tavita Week of 6/5 • TV, Radio, Newspaper

17 • Assist Team Report Tavita October 2006

4. Official Recognition by ASG Ike • Meeting of Director’s • Various unidentified legal and December administrative steps 2006 • Signed MOA June 2007 Ike 5. Samoa Tamaligi Control • Technical Expertise Exchange James A./Tavita TBA

6. PII Funding for Panama Rubber Demonstration Project Eric,Tavita, Alan

Guam

Goal: Control bud rot Phytophthora. palmivora on Betelnut in Guam Objective 1: Secure funding by June 2007 Objective 2: Bud rot free Betelnut orchards by 2009 Actions: o Identify stakeholders (July 2007) o Identify infection sites (September 2007) o Public Awareness Program (September 2007) o Cut down infected trees (December 2007) o Monitor Betelnut (long term)- (January 2008) o Monitor other hosts (long term)- (January 2008)

Guam team tasks Who (lead) When

1. Public Outreach a) Man, Land & Sea articles Dave - Listen Up Sep 06 Campaign & Invasive Frogs; Adrienne - PILN; Sep 06 Budrot – George Sep 06 b) Environmental Ed Committee Adrienne & Diane August 06 c) RISC Dave & Paul July 06 d) GISAC Diane August 06 e) Biosecurity Awareness for Cocos Island Diane Diane - Project ongoing, sign purchase by Oct 06 f) Radio talk show - Where we live - various Ongoing, every invasive topics to choose from (snakes, rats, Tuesday frogs, budrot...) 2. Finalize Bud Rot Control on Guam Plan George & Diane 3. Funding for Budrot Project Adrienne

18 Niue

Goal: Over the next 2 years reduce the areas affected with Wedelia tribolata Objective: To contain the Wedelia affected sites within Niue to 0.7 hectares. (Risk: Funding – if not available, this plan is not possible)

Strategy 1: Public awareness campaigns- Media, radio, TV, Poster, Billboards, Pamphlets, Schools, and Communities

Strategy 2: Control with herbicides- Interceptor, Hitman, etc. (Risk: Limited funds from Niue government and unavailability of funds from donors)

Strategy 3: Regular monitoring of affected sites on a 3 monthly basis.

Niue team tasks WHO (LEADS) BY WHEN 1. Submit Palau report & Weed plan (from Charlene, New, Colin June 2006 Wellington) to Minister for DAFF, Minister for Environment Hon. B. Vakaah & to the Directors of both DAFF & Environment Department June 2006 2. Meet with DAFF, Environment, Education Cris, Colin, Charlene Department, Broadcasting Corporation of Niue, Ministers & village councils. June 2006 • Review and formalize Invasive Charlene, Cris, Colin (3 weeks) Species Committee Species Plan

3. Invasive Species Committee to review & Colin, Cris, August- formalize Invasive Species Plan Charlene,Brendon, September Sauni, Patrick 2006 4. Invasive Species Committee to draft Action Plans & submits to donors. Charlene September 2006 5. Implement Invasive Species Plan i.e. (4 months) Public Awareness, control & eradication Charlene, Colin, programs setting timelines for each Antony On-going activity.

6. Committed to keeping PILN updated with Charlene On-going Invasive Species activities on Niue.

19 Palau

Goal: Protect Palau Forest along the Compact Road from Kebeas (Merremia peltata). Objective 1: By the end of 2008, no more trees of the forest margin along the compact road are covered with Kebeas

Strategy 1: Mobilize and support communities, state government and land owners to control Kebeas within their state. Actions: o Identify key agencies and lead staff. o Identify key community and state leaders. o Conduct community meetings in all 10 states within 6 months (include awareness of other weeds. o Work with communities that are ready to work (maximum of 4 states to start. Strategy 2: Demonstrate Success with Lead Communities. Actions: o Document current situation o Identify sites for control o Communities will conduct control activities o Document impact of control activities o Publicize success of control effort o Develop standard methods of Kebeas

Strategy 3: Mobilize Communities which have not began control activities. Actions: Refer to Strategy 1

Long Term Objectives: • On going maintenance-continue control Kebeas Indefinitely • Control of Kebeas will be extended to all road in Babeldaob • Control of Invasive Vines will be implemented in all the States in Palau • Conduct public Awareness for monitoring and reporting new invasive weeds along the compact road As part of Community meeting

Palau team tasks Who (Lead) By When? Present results to NISC June 6 Convene meeting Joel Presentation Yalap Participate Whole team Radio talk show Whole team May 30

Finalize plan & implement Whole team & By end of Finalize plan others June Joe, Yalap & Implement others

20 Present PILN results and Palau plan to elected and traditional whole team, leaders & private sector especially Joel, Joe & Yalap Share PILN result with Regional Invasive Species Committee Joel & Fred with Mid-June (RISC) Dave Gee

Media – several, including editing DVD Mainly Joel Mid-June Baseline marine survey Joel & Marine Before NISC members next PILN mtg Communicate with PILN teams & Coordinator

Pohnpei

Goal: Conserve biodiversity and Livelihood Objectives: Eradicate 100% of the following: False Kava, Mile-a-Minute, ivy Gourd, and Chain of Love by 2008

Strategy 1: Secure additional funding (20K/year) Actions: o Prepare proposal for identified donors by July 2006

Strategy 2: Conduct island-wide public awareness Actions: o Monthly radio programs begin by July 2006. o Quarterly newsletter o Participate in social marketing workshop ASAP o Complete meetings with local government by August 2006 o Complete leaflets of all 4 targeted species by September 2006 o Complete seminars at schools by September 2006

Strategy 3: Strengthen involvement of concerned authorities Actions: o Present plan to PRMC in the July 2006 meeting o Task Force decides how to deal with concerned authorities in July 2006 Meeting. o Dr. Jill Key meeting with Lt. Governor and others by end of May 2006

Strategy 4: Implementation Actions: o Eradication of 95% of all targeted species by end of 2007

Strategy 5: Monitor and evaluate Actions: o Monthly update of database o Produce summary reports in all Taskforce Meeting

21 Pohnpei team tasks By who (lead)? When?

Dr. Jill Key’s visit and meet with Pohnpei Invasive Taskforce Konrad June 06

James visit and meet with GEF Focal Point Roseo Early June 06 Produce press release on PILN meeting in Palau and Dr. Key’s and James visit/meeting John Early June

Review and finalize strategy Action Plan for our targeted Invasive weeds. Konrad End of July 2006

Exchange expertise with Palau and develop Donald, David July 2006 Strategic Action Plan for eradicating Tilapia

Develop Strategic Action Plan for eradication of pigeon Konrad, David End of August (exotic) 2006

Begin development of Strategic Action Plan for eradication Konrad ASAP of Marine Invasive. Formalize the Pohnpei invasive Species task Force. Konrad End of July

Samoa

Goal: To secure funding to carry out activities to manage and prevent invasive species in Samoa.

Objectives:

1. That within two years to gain significant support from key national and local political leaders and decision makers through the endorsement of the NIASIAP, especially from education, finance, MNREM and MAF minister. 2. That within 4 years have established and strengthen inter governmental linkages between education, MNREM, MAF, Health, Finance required for the implementation of at least one national IAS management project. 3. To secure external and internal funding to the amount of at least $500,000 US dollars for the implementation of at least one national IAS management project.

Strategy 1: Conduct a nation wide awareness campaign about the impact of Invasive Species on Public Health, Tourism, Agriculture, Education and Biodiversity. Actions: o Through the invasive species committee develop appropriate television, radio and newspaper media spots on impact of Invasive Species (June 2007)

22 o Through the Invasive Species Committee develop appropriate stickers, posters and leaflets, which address key invasive issues for Samoa’s school, youth and General public by June 2007.

Strategy 2: To draw to the attention of the five key cabinets, ministers and senior staff the need for a major national project, which addresses Invasive Management. Actions: o Arrange for visits to key invasive sites for targeted ministers and for all ministers. o Establish a round table panel of the 5 keys. Minister to develop a national project, which addresses invasive species. (June 2007)

Strategy 3: To identify key external donors which will support a national Invasive Species Management project. (June 2007)

Who (Lead) By When? Samoa team tasks 1. Organize a PILN Team meeting within two weeks Natashia Next couple of of arrival back to Samoa with entire Team. months 2. Presentation of Palau Team. Whole team Next couple of months 3. To Formulize SNITT in Samoa so that it is Pati (Coordinator) Next couple of recognized by the Government. months 4. To refine strategic project. SNITT Next couple of months 5. Newspaper article in Sunday newspaper of Palau MNREM Next couple of meeting. Capacity build months Section 6. Article for MAF newsletter. Joseph & Billy Next couple of (MAF) months 7. Article for MNREM newsletter. Natashia Next couple of (MNREM) months 8. Information on MAF website about meeting. Joseph Next couple of months 9. DVD of Monday and Friday coverage to be given to Natashia Next couple of TV stations for news item. months Mark Next couple of 10. Follow up on rattan Project. months 11. Complete ranking method of invasive plant species Natashia Next couple of in Samoa to find to 20. months a. Circulate out b. Design posters of top 20 to build awareness c. Ranking method of fauna to be done by Samaui.

12. Strengthen government minister linkage MNREM, MOH, Next couple of MOF, MAF, months MESC

23 13. Round table meeting of SNITT and ministers from Next couple of ministers mentioned above. months 14. Get Marine section (MNREM) and fisheries section (MAF) involve in SNITT. 15. Cabinet report about the meeting. Natashia, Billy, & Next couple of Joseph months 16. Keep in Con act with PILN Teams form around the Next couple of Pacific. months

Partner and CEPF grantee commitments

Some PILN partners and CEPF grantees also defined their next steps.

Who (lead) When French Polynesia tasks

Finalize “Vahanga” not eradication operational plan” Philippe Raust through last meeting with partners from PII-DOC and local/stakeholders (church,local users, Ministry of Environment).

Who (lead) When Cook Island – Ed Saul – tasks

Report to TIS council on workshop

Arrange newspaper (etc.) newspaper

Suggest to TIS and other entities that Cook Island PILN be formed.

Remove “Chain of Love” from my garden.

Write proposal to ISSG to finish Suwarrow rat eradication.

Who (lead) When Fiji – James Millet – tasks

Advocacy to develop government capacity James

Advocate / engender focal points/ network James

24

USFS - Anne Marie LaRosa tasks Who (Lead) By When?

1. Information to Palau Team on Pest Hotline database

2. Work with Warea Orapa and Joel Miles proposal for weed mapping on Palau

3. Prepare on PILN for FS Invasive Species Conference

4. Send copies of 4 TV spots in Hawaii’s “DON’T PLANT A PEST CAMPAIGN” to Jill for posting

5. Coordinate my Hawaii’s Team for next round

6. Work with Konrad Englberger to get Forestry folks in Pohnpei involved with my team.

CEPF - John Watkin tasks Who (Lead) By When?

Revise small grant report template to provide relevant John June 3 information.

Case studies & lessons learned End of June PII Philip Translate material information/ from French PII Ad hoc Scientific Publications-Responsibility of grantees October CGIS final report to RNHP, Publicly available John 2006

Article about launch of new GISP interface-when funds June 3 occurs June 3 Resource Implementation Team Terms of reference John Watkin June 3

25

PII – Souad tasks Who (Lead) By When?

Announce PILN launch to ISSG network Souad

Liaise with SSC newsletter editor to explore opportunity Souad for including a short article on PILN in next issue of SSC newsletter. Undertake to respond to queries for information from Souad members of the PILN.

TNC – Audrey tasks Who (Lead) By When? Audrey June 30 Finalize SPREP-TNC Agreement #2 and transfer funds for PILN support

RARE & SeaWeb contacts to Jill for social marketing next steps/workshop

Work with Jill to follow up on Funding session Share PILN meeting results & team needs with John Randall, Director of TNC’s Global Invasive Initiative to see how he can help, especially for weeds

PILN mission and terms of reference defined, logo reviewed

Meeting participants elected to keep the PILN Mission for the time being and change the logo, to adopt a pictorial form in line with the Launch design featuring a canoe as a regional symbol.

The artist who designed the Launch logo will produce 3 outlines for presentation to the group and selection of the final design.

Agreement on how to measure PILN effectiveness

Measuring the success of PILN was discussed as an emerging issue by a group of 12 participants. It was agreed that general rules to follow are: • Keep it simple, use measure already being done • Use existing priorities • Integrate priorities where possible

A framework was established, defining the relationship between the different current invasive species programmes:

26

Regional programmes PII SPREP, SPC, Technical input PAPP, PISM, etc. g g in in ld al ui sc b p ity U ac ap PILN C Interface between GISD partners and civic Data management society; upscaling mechanism

It was agreed that the benchmarks developed to track PILN’s progress and impact are appropriate for measuring success and they were reviewed by the group.

Established benchmark Revision and comments YEAR 1 (2004) No comments. 1) Funds are obtained to appoint a start-up consultant - ACHIEVED 2) Country interest in the network is gauged by a questionnaire-based survey and follow-up visits – ACHIEVED 3) Key regional agencies are recruited to join PILN as partners. - ACHIEVED

YEAR 2 (2005) 1) Signed MOU sent out by 1) The interagency partnership to launch PILN is Dave Butler in May 2006. formally established through an MOU with 2) In process. strong support from government and non- 3) No comment. government agencies throughout the Pacific. – 4) The percentage of ACHIEVED indigenous Pacific 2) Funding is secured or pledged for the first two islanders participating years of PILN activities (2006 - 2007). – IN needs to be quantified. PROCESS 3) A coordinator is appointed and a Secretariat is established at SPREP – ACHIEVED 4) Founding teams are recruited, including at least one multi-agency team from Polynesia,

27 Melanesia and Micronesia with a committed team leader and at least two core members that meet the PILN team criteria. More than 50% of PILN team participants are indigenous Pacific islanders. – TEAMS RECRUITED 2006

YEAR 3 (2006) 1) Meeting held 22 – 26 May 1) The Network is officially launched and holds 2006, in Palau. its first meeting. – IN PROCESS for May 2) Each team developed draft 2006 Action Plans for one of their 2) At least one “demonstration project” has been two priority projects during the initiated or strengthened by each team aimed at meeting. developing national (and/or regional) IAS 3) It is recommended that these management capacity for individuals and benchmarks are adopted as the agencies, as well as achieving declared measures of success. conservation outcomes. 3) Measures of success for the PILN are identified and the baseline is set for early indicators.

YEAR 4 (2007) 1) To be assessed by 1) At least 50% of active PILN members report evaluating satisfaction with satisfaction and specific benefits in dealing the meeting. In addition, a with IAS tasks from participating in the questionnaire will be sent initiative out to all meeting 2) At least 50% of PILN teams have made participants 6 months after measurable progress on one of their priority the meeting as a form of projects follow-up, to evaluate the 3) At least 50% of PILN teams have secured benefits received. Format additional funds for IAS management projects is to be a simple template, as a result of being in the PILN. to be developed together 4) PILN teams identify at least one regional IAS with PII. issue that they want to collaborate to address. 5) At least 50% of PILN teams report improved collaboration (nationally or regionally) as a result of their involvement with the Network 6) Demand for continuation and expansion of PILN network is determined by founding PILN teams.

YEAR 5 (2008) Comment: Benchmarks need 1) 80% of founding PILN teams report to include measures on: measurable progress on at least one of their • Policy changes priority projects influenced 2) More PILN teams have secured additional • Prevention – number of

28 funds for IAS management projects as a result successful interventions of being in the PILN. and number of new 3) PILN teams are working together on at least established species. one regional IAS issue. 4) The PILN baseline is set for all indicators. 5) First “report card” of PILN indicators is prepared and circulated widely. Evaluation of PILN effectiveness and lessons learned is completed 6) PILN members and partners co-design future network activities, secure funding and recruit new teams, if appropriate.

Palau meeting evaluation

In total, 34 participants completed an evaluation form at the end of the Palau meeting; see Annex 6 for the evaluation form used. Of the 34, 8 expressed themselves as “satisfied”, 25 “very satisfied” and 1 as “very very satisfied” with the meeting; no-one was dissatisfied.

Full results of the evaluation are given in Annex 7, giving details of where the meeting exceeded expectations, the specific benefits received, and participants comments for improvements listed with proposed action noted by each one.

29 Other outputs

Launch of the CDROM version of the Global Invasive Species Database

The CD ROM version of the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) was officially launched on 23 May 2006 at a ceremony on Carp Island, Palau.

A 45-minute workshop was held that aimed to introduce participants to the Global Invasive Species Database and its usefulness in helping to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful species. In addition, an evaluation of relevant elements (prevention, intentional introductions, unintentional introductions, risk analysis, management, awareness raising, contributing information) of the GISD was carried out.

The high overall scores (73-96%) suggest that GISD information is relevant and useful and this is confirmed by the positive nature of other comments made. Help was offered to cross-check information and also offered to contribute additional information. It was also suggested that the GISD would benefit from input from both environmental and crop protection units of a country, and there were suggestions to include specific species (e.g. Piper auritum) and to provide more eradication case studies. See Annex 8.

Revision of the Regional Invasive Species Strategy

An outline of the SPREP Regional Invasive Species Strategy was presented. Of the 40 people present, 23 knew of the existence of the strategy and 8 had read at least part of it before. As input to the revision of the strategy participants were asked to review the seven strategic directions: information, awareness, infrastructure, protocols, legislation, funding and linkages. In a prioritisation exercise six key strategic directions were identified which are, in order of priority:

1. Linkages 2. Information 3. Awareness 4. Physical infrastructure, taxonomy 5. Protocols 6. Legislation

Funding is seen as a means to achieving these strategies. Further details are given in Annex 9.

30 CEPF project management feedback

The CEPF grantees met with PII and CEPF staff to discuss issue relating to their project cycle management process. Conclusions are presented in the form of + (positive feedback) and delta (things which require changing).

Positive feedback Things which require change Small grants (< US$ 20,000) are very quick Fire wall problems with Grant Writer software and efficient Project up and coming and country support Funds were disseminated too late (PAPP) Demonstration Projects principle is excellent 2 “Masters” (PII and CEPF) causing reporting providing: lines to be unclear - capacity development - advocacy potential Collaboration with PII very constructive Poor communication - reasons for rejection - donor constraints Meeting with partners to improve No funds after 30th August understanding Need for additional funds to implement PAPP Better communication on application procedure Time frame too short to do the eradication work Fine line between “guiding” and “instructing”

It was recommended that information from the demonstration projects be integrated into the Global Invasive Species Database.

Inventory of current invasive species activities

Participants initiated an inventory of current invasive species activities under the headings biosecurity, birds, communication, insects & pests, mammals, marine invasives, other, pathogens, quarantine and reptiles. Under each heading were noted the activity, who is doing it and who is the contact for further information.

The results are presented in Annex 10.

31 Conclusions

The meeting was a great success, nearly all of the agreed objectives were achieved, participants reported a high degree of satisfaction, and listed many benefits realised. The only objective not achieved, “To identify a regional invasive species project of common interest, to be developed over the next year or so” will be tackled as part of the process of revision of the regional invasive species strategy and it is appropriate that it is done in this context.

Considerable momentum has now been generated, both within the meeting participants as a result of the weeks activities and also more widely thanks to the wide media coverage for the meeting, locally, regionally and internationally. A new logo is being designed based on participants suggestions and the network now also has a slogan, “Failure is not an option”. In early 2007 the second group of founding teams will meet, and the American Samoa Invasive Species Team has formally offered to host the PILN second annual meeting in August 2007. Lessons learned will be reviewed and expanded in these meetings and draft Action Plans developed and revised.

These documents can be seen as initiating a process of sharing and learning within the network aimed at building technical capacity in invasive species management. The next challenge is to ensure that the talk is effectively translated into on-the-ground action so that PILN achieves its goal of reducing the impact of invasive species to biodiversity and sustainable development in the Pacific.

32 Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to Joel Miles, Joe Tiobech, Yalap Yalap and Fred Sengebau of the Palau team for all their hard work in the organizing and running of this meeting. Joel especially deserves a special thank you for his tireless and excellent organizing. The Palau invasive species team supported us throughout. Hilda and Alice did a superb job of recording the sessions. A special thank you also goes to the facilitation team, Audrey Newman and Anne Marie LaRosa who made the experience fun as well as rewarding. The Vice , Elias Camsek Chin, honoured us with his presence at both the opening and closing ceremonies, and inspired us by coining the meeting slogan. Lastly I would like to thank all the participants for their unreserved enthusiasm and exceptional contribution to this meeting – it is a privilege to work with you.

Thanks to our sponsors

PILN would like to offer sincere thanks to the following sponsors for their invaluable support to the network and this meeting:

Financial support:

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund – Regional National Heritage Programme (Australia) US State Department South Pacific Regional Environment Programme. Mobil Oil Micronesia The Nature Conservancy • ISN • Hawaii • Englehard FDN

In-kind support:

Secretariat of the Pacific Community US Forest Service Pacific Invasives Initiative Conservation International Palau Office of Environmental Response and Co-ordination Guam

33 List of other documents relevant to the meeting

Annexes

Annex 1 Participants list Annex 2 Final Agenda Annex 3 Lessons learned Annex 4 Teams network needs Annex 5 Team Action Plans Annex 6 Meeting evaluation form Annex 7 Results from the meeting evaluation Annex 8 Evaluation of the Global Invasive Species Database Annex 9 Regional invasive species strategy review Annex 10 Inventory of expertise

Background documents

• Draft Regional invasive species strategy for the Pacific. 2000. (Word) • Final draft of the CEPF Ecosystem Profile Polynesia – Micronesia Biodiversity Hotspot. 2004. (pdf) • Invasive species in the Pacific: A technical review and draft regional strategy. SPREP. 2000. (pdf) • Palau National Invasive Species Committee Annual Report 2005. (pdf) • Palau National Invasive Species Strategy. 2004. (pdf) • Palau Operation “Counter-Invasion” 2006. (pdf) • Participants expectations. (Word) • PILN brochure (Publisher) • PILN Mission and Workplan. (Word) • Strategy for Invasive Weeds, Republic of Palau. 2004. (pdf)

34